https://www.nba.com/article/2020/08/20/2020-consensus-mock-draft

Consensus Mock Draft: Compiling the best mock drafts from around the web

Drew Packham, NBA.com
Aug 21, 2020 1:38 AM ET

Some notes after Tuesday’s Draft Lottery, which saw the Minnesota Timberwolves land the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

Remember, the Consensus Mock Draft is a compilation of the best mock drafts around the web. We bring them together to come up with a good estimate of how the Draft could play out (last update: Aug. 21, 3:25 p.m. ET):

MOST COMMON PICKS

No. 1 (Timberwolves): Anthony Edwards (8)
No. 2 (Warriors): James Wiseman (6)
No. 3 (Hornets): LaMelo Ball (3)
No. 4 (Bulls): Deni Avdija, LaMelo Ball, Killian Hayes (2)
No. 5 (Cavaliers): Deni Avdija (5)
No. 6 (Hawks): Tyrese Haliburton (3)
No. 7 (Pistons): Killian Hayes (3)
No. 8 (Knicks): Devin Vassell (3)
No. 9 (Wizards): Onyeka Okongwu, Isaac Okoro, Tyrese Haliburton (2)
No. 10 (Suns): Killian Hayes (3)
No. 11 (Spurs): Aaron Nesmith, Patrick Williams (3)
No. 12 (Kings): Cole Anthony, Saddiq Bey, Patrick Williams (2)
No. 13 (Pelicans): Saddiq Bey, Patrick Williams (2)
No. 14 (Celtics): Cole Anthony (3)

Most common (above): Pick at which the player is most commonly projected, with number of mock drafts in parentheses. For example, Anthony Edwards is projected to go 1st in eight of the 10 mock drafts listed below.To calculate the consensus, we award 14 points for every mock draft in which the player went first overall, 13 for second, continuing to one point for the final lottery pick.

MOCK DRAFTS

ESPN.com
ESPN Insider: Jonathan Givony

1. LaMelo Ball
2. Anthony Edwards
3. James Wiseman
4. Obi Toppin
5. Deni Avdija
6. Onyeka Okongwu
7. Tyrese Haliburton
8. Isaac Okoro
9. Precious Achiuwa
10. Aaron Nesmith
11. Devin Vassell
12. Saddiq Bey
13. Patrick Williams
14. Killian Hayes
Last updated: Aug. 21

The Ringer

1. Anthony Edwards
2. James Wiseman
3. Deni Avdija
4. LaMelo Ball
5. Isaac Okoro
6. Devin Vassell
7. Tyrese Haliburton
8. Obi Toppin
9. Onyeka Okongwu
10. Killian Hayes
11. Aaron Nesmith
12. Saddiq Bey
13. Tyrese Maxey
14. Cole Anthony
Last updated: Aug. 20

The Athletic
The Athletic: Sam Vecenie

1. Anthony Edwards
2. James Wiseman
3. LaMelo Ball
4. Isaac Okoro
5. Deni Avdija
6. Tyrese Haliburton
7. Killian Hayes
8. Obi Toppin
9. Onyeka Okongwu
10. Devin Vassell
11. Aaron Nesmith
12. Patrick Williams
13. Saddiq Bey
14. Aleksej Pkusevski
Last updated: Aug. 20

SI.com

1. Anthony Edwards
2. James Wiseman
3. Obi Toppin
4. LaMelo Ball
5. Onyeka Okongwu
6. Tyrese Haliburton
7. Isaac Okoro
8. Deni Avdija
9. Devin Vassell
10. Killian Hayes
11. Patrick Williams
12. Aaron Nesmith
13. Saddiq Bey
14. Theo Maledon
Last updated: Aug. 20

Yahoo Sports

1. Anthony Edwards
2. LaMelo Ball
3. Obi Toppin
4. Tyrese Haliburton
5. Deni Avdija
6. James Wiseman
7. Onyeka Okongwu
8. Killian Hayes
9. Isaac Okoro
10. Aaron Nesmith
11. Patrick Williams
12. Devin Vassell
13. Precious Achiuwa
14. Cole Anthony
Last updated: Aug. 20

Bleacher Report

1. Anthony Edwards
2. James Wiseman
3. LaMelo Ball
4. Deni Avdija
5. Obi Toppin
6. Tyrese Haliburton
7. Onyeka Okongwu
8. Devin Vassell
9. Isaac Okoro
10. Killian Hayes
11. Saddiq Bey
12. Patrick Williams
13. Jalen Smith
14. Precious Achiuwa
Last updated: Aug. 20

NetScouts Basketball

1. LaMelo Ball
2. James Wiseman
3. Anthony Edwards
4. Onyeka Okongwu
5. Dani Avdija
6. Obi Toppin
7. Killian Hayes
8. Devin Vassell
9. Tyrese Haliburton
10. Isaac Okoro
11. Aaron Nesmith
12. Cole Anthony
13. Patrick Williams
14. Kira Lewis, Jr.
Last updated: Aug. 20

Tankathon

1. Anthony Edwards
2. James Wiseman
3. LaMelo Ball
4. Killian Hayes
5. Deni Avdija
6. Onyeka Okongwu
7. Isaac Okoro
8. Tyrese Haliburton
9. Aaron Nesmith
10. Obi Toppin
11. Devin Vassell
12. Precious Achiuwa
13. Saddiq Bey
14. Patrick Williams
Last updated: Aug. 20

CBS Sports

1. Anthony Edwards
2. LaMelo Ball
3. James Wiseman
4. Deni Avdija
5. Isaac Okoro
6. Aaron Nesmith
7. Killian Hayes
8. Tyrese Haliburton
9. Obi Toppin
10. Kira Lewis, Jr.
11. Onyeka Okongwu
12. Cole Anthony
13. Patrick Williams
14. Devin Vassell
Last updated: Aug. 20

SB Nation

1. Anthony Edwards
2. LaMelo Ball
3. Onyeka Okongwu
4. Killian Hayes
5. Obi Toppin
6. Deni Avdija
7. James Wiseman
8. Devin Vassell
9. Tyrese Haliburton
10. Tyrese Maxey
11. Patrick Williams
12. Isaac Okoro
13. Aleksej Pokusevski
14. Cole Anthony
Last updated: Aug. 20

* * *

ESPN Insider: Jonathan Givony
The Ringer: Kevin O'Connor
The Athletic: Sam Vecenie
SI.com: Jeremy Woo
Bleacher Report: Jonathan Wasserman
Yahoo Sports: Krysten Peek
NetScouts Basketball: Carl Berman
CBS Sports: Kyle Boone
SB Nation: Ricky O’Donnell

NOTES:

It’s not a complete consensus at No. 1, but pretty close. Eight of our 10 mock drafts envision the Minnesota Timberwolves taking Georgia’s Anthony Edwards with the No. 1 pick. Pairing Edwards with D’Angelo Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns could make for a solid trio for years to come. The two mock drafts not going with Edwards are ESPN and NetScouts – they both think the Wolves will take LaMelo Ball.

Things could get interesting with the No. 2 pick. The Warriors will have stars Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson back from injury, so will they want to add a young player to the mix, or could they look to deal the pick for a more proven, established star? Whatever they do, they’ve got options, and most mocks (6 of 10) think the Warriors will grab Memphis big man James Wiseman. Having an athletic big man could be an enticing addition, but another option would be to add LaMelo Ball to the backcourt and let him run wild with Curry and Thompson. Wiseman is an interesting prospect -- while he is most likely to go No. 2, he is lower than Ball in our calculations, thanks to two mocks dropping him as low as No. 6 (Yahoo Sports) and No. 7 (SB Nation).

Speaking of LaMelo Ball, there’s no real consensus with the dynamic playmaker who spent last season in Australia playing with the Illawara Hawks. He’s spread pretty evenly between the top 4 picks, but no one has him slipping past the Bulls at No. 4.

Deni Avdija is likely going to be the first-ever Israeli player drafted in the lottery, as most see him going either to the Cavaliers at No. 4 or the Bulls at No. 5 (shows up five times here). He’s a prospect who could see his stock rise as teams continue to get more info on the Maccabi Tel-Aviv product.

Dayton’s athletic big man Obi Toppin is charting all over the board. Two mocks have him going as high as No. 3 to the Hornets, while Tankathon has him slipping all the way to 10, his lowest spot. Regardless, he seems to be a lock for the lottery.

Florida State could have two players drafted in the Lottery. Devin Vassell shows up on all 10 mock drafts, going as high as No. 6 and as low as 14th. Patrick Williams, meanwhile, is less certain to go in the lottery, but he appears most common to the Spurs at No. 11 or Pelicans at No. 13.

Overall, the first look at the mock drafts proves one thing: There is a lot of variety with very little consensus this year. The only positions even close to consensus are No. 1 and 2, but after that, no one appears more than four times in any other draft position. This could be a byproduct of the prognosticators not having as much information so soon after the lottery, or it could mean there’s just not as many sure things in this draft.

Ten players appear on all 10 mocks we survey: Edwards, Wiseman, Ball, Avdija, Onyeka Okongwu, Toppin, Isaac Okoro, Tyrese Haliburton, Killian Hayes and Aaron Nesmith

Knixkik wrote:Obviously mocks are all over the place but Vassell seems like a fair bet and is projected to us in many of these. He’s easy to plug in as a 3&D wing next to Barrett and he’s a CAA client so Rose probably has access to additional insight. He addresses 2 major needs at a position of need. 40% 3pt shooter and elite defensive traits.

So far I like him at our pick. Though I could see us going with Onyeka Okongwu as well.
And I wouldn't at all mind Killian if there. The "Knick" names would be endless. (in both directions though.)

HofstraBBall wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:Thanks. Awesome stuff
I still personally hope wiseman drops to 8
Nesmith is not a reach at 8 for sure

Wiseman dropping would be quite a feat.
As would Tobin, Avidija or Okoro dropping to us. But yeah, that would be a pleasant surprise.
Still favoring Vassell but would not be dissapointed if it turned out as predicted in any of those mocks listed above. Still keep thinking Knicks may surprise and pick Maxey, Precious, Williams or maybe even Anthony. Just hope its not just focussed on a PG and not the BPA. If the scouts felt it was PG who was the BPA, then I am,all for it.

Imo, feel this years draft will prove to be even more of a guessing game. Due to the shortened season's. Both here and abroad. Not to mention the inability for many of these kids to be properly vetted in person. All reasons why I feel it may be a good idea for the Knicks to somehow trade the 8th pick for quantity. Think there will be some real upside surpises in that 10 to 30 area and do not feel there is great disparity. But again, won't be dissapointed if we stick and get one of those projected picks. Definitely looking forward to it.

The Draft will also give us some insight on what the FO may be planning during FA. It may also be the day some players get dealt. Think this voluntary training camp will help them consider that possibility. Specially if the Knicks are planning on moving up. Which I hope they don't do.

It would be crying shame if they don't, Historically the 8th pick has produced little to no all stars, and they have all the assets to move up.

Would you be willing to offer mini Rj for their 1st rnd pick?

technomaster wrote:8th Draft Pick history:
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/history-of-the-nba-draft-by-pick/history-of-the-nba-draft-pick-number-8/

Some notables over the past 30 years:
*crickets chirping*
2011 Brandon Knight
2006 Rudy Gay
1999 Andre Miller

A whole host of Knicks were 8th overall picks:
Ntilikina, Jordan Hill, Channing Frye, Chris Wilcox, Jamal Crawford, Larry Hughes, Vin Baker, Bo Kimble

Yeah, the 8th overall pick has not produced too many great players.

The 8th pick hasn't produced great players but there's great players available every year with that pick. Just have to choose the right player.

knicks1248 wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:Thanks. Awesome stuff
I still personally hope wiseman drops to 8
Nesmith is not a reach at 8 for sure

Wiseman dropping would be quite a feat.
As would Tobin, Avidija or Okoro dropping to us. But yeah, that would be a pleasant surprise.
Still favoring Vassell but would not be dissapointed if it turned out as predicted in any of those mocks listed above. Still keep thinking Knicks may surprise and pick Maxey, Precious, Williams or maybe even Anthony. Just hope its not just focussed on a PG and not the BPA. If the scouts felt it was PG who was the BPA, then I am,all for it.

Imo, feel this years draft will prove to be even more of a guessing game. Due to the shortened season's. Both here and abroad. Not to mention the inability for many of these kids to be properly vetted in person. All reasons why I feel it may be a good idea for the Knicks to somehow trade the 8th pick for quantity. Think there will be some real upside surpises in that 10 to 30 area and do not feel there is great disparity. But again, won't be dissapointed if we stick and get one of those projected picks. Definitely looking forward to it.

The Draft will also give us some insight on what the FO may be planning during FA. It may also be the day some players get dealt. Think this voluntary training camp will help them consider that possibility. Specially if the Knicks are planning on moving up. Which I hope they don't do.

It would be crying shame if they don't, Historically the 8th pick has produced little to no all stars, and they have all the assets to move up.

Would you be willing to offer mini Rj for their 1st rnd pick?

This isn't the draft to move up. None of the top prospects come with much credentials only potential. Moving up for a Luka or Morant would be one thing. Moving up for any one of these prospects is another.

Knixkik wrote:

technomaster wrote:8th Draft Pick history:
http://www.basketballinsiders.com/history-of-the-nba-draft-by-pick/history-of-the-nba-draft-pick-number-8/

Some notables over the past 30 years:
*crickets chirping*
2011 Brandon Knight
2006 Rudy Gay
1999 Andre Miller

A whole host of Knicks were 8th overall picks:
Ntilikina, Jordan Hill, Channing Frye, Chris Wilcox, Jamal Crawford, Larry Hughes, Vin Baker, Bo Kimble

Yeah, the 8th overall pick has not produced too many great players.

The 8th pick hasn't produced great players but there's great players available every year with that pick. Just have to choose the right player.

this is it. And with this year's COVID throwing a curve, we might score a really solid player.

Jamal Murray was picked 7th- with our pick no less!

We just have to keep our picks, and keep developing and adding talent.

Knixkik wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:Thanks. Awesome stuff
I still personally hope wiseman drops to 8
Nesmith is not a reach at 8 for sure

Wiseman dropping would be quite a feat.
As would Tobin, Avidija or Okoro dropping to us. But yeah, that would be a pleasant surprise.
Still favoring Vassell but would not be dissapointed if it turned out as predicted in any of those mocks listed above. Still keep thinking Knicks may surprise and pick Maxey, Precious, Williams or maybe even Anthony. Just hope its not just focussed on a PG and not the BPA. If the scouts felt it was PG who was the BPA, then I am,all for it.

Imo, feel this years draft will prove to be even more of a guessing game. Due to the shortened season's. Both here and abroad. Not to mention the inability for many of these kids to be properly vetted in person. All reasons why I feel it may be a good idea for the Knicks to somehow trade the 8th pick for quantity. Think there will be some real upside surpises in that 10 to 30 area and do not feel there is great disparity. But again, won't be dissapointed if we stick and get one of those projected picks. Definitely looking forward to it.

The Draft will also give us some insight on what the FO may be planning during FA. It may also be the day some players get dealt. Think this voluntary training camp will help them consider that possibility. Specially if the Knicks are planning on moving up. Which I hope they don't do.

It would be crying shame if they don't, Historically the 8th pick has produced little to no all stars, and they have all the assets to move up.

Would you be willing to offer mini Rj for their 1st rnd pick?

Are you saying you think the Wolves would trade RJ for the 1st straight up? I don't. But ok, Of course I would. Why not? But why would the Wolves do that? They are, for the most part, rebuilding. And would think they would value a 1st round pick as a great way of doing that. The only way I see them even considering trading the pick is if they feel the top 3 picks have too many question marks and if we included the 8th and 27th pick. But do not see the Knicks doing that.

And Btw, although true that the 1st or second picks have much better odds of drafting a difference maker, there have been plenty of examples that it is not a guarantee.

I think there's a general consensus that after the year Barrett had a Duke he would be the #1 pick in this draft. He doesn't quite have the major upside of Edwards, but he's far safer of a pick. Again this is based on college. Obviously Barrett's stock dropped a bit with the Knicks for reasons mostly out of his control.

Good point. And agree. Would also factor RJ's shooting numbers this year. Which I feel hurt his value.
It will be curious to see what Minny does. Yes they have CAT and D'angelo but just do not think they feel they are close to competing in the West. Would not think they feel RJ changes that. Also, cant see them trading this years pick given they do not have a draft pick in 2021. The only thing that may prompt them to get rid of their 1st. I feel, is for a proven star in order to keep CAT happy. There have been Rumors of Gordon out there.
Who I think would be a mistake for them as well. But the direction they are probably heading. Given the moves last year. IMO, Keeping the 1st would create a solid foundation along with CAT, Russell and Culver. Who are all still pretty young.

Knixkik wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

Knixkik wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

HofstraBBall wrote:

BRIGGS wrote:Thanks. Awesome stuff
I still personally hope wiseman drops to 8
Nesmith is not a reach at 8 for sure

Wiseman dropping would be quite a feat.
As would Tobin, Avidija or Okoro dropping to us. But yeah, that would be a pleasant surprise.
Still favoring Vassell but would not be dissapointed if it turned out as predicted in any of those mocks listed above. Still keep thinking Knicks may surprise and pick Maxey, Precious, Williams or maybe even Anthony. Just hope its not just focussed on a PG and not the BPA. If the scouts felt it was PG who was the BPA, then I am,all for it.

Imo, feel this years draft will prove to be even more of a guessing game. Due to the shortened season's. Both here and abroad. Not to mention the inability for many of these kids to be properly vetted in person. All reasons why I feel it may be a good idea for the Knicks to somehow trade the 8th pick for quantity. Think there will be some real upside surpises in that 10 to 30 area and do not feel there is great disparity. But again, won't be dissapointed if we stick and get one of those projected picks. Definitely looking forward to it.

The Draft will also give us some insight on what the FO may be planning during FA. It may also be the day some players get dealt. Think this voluntary training camp will help them consider that possibility. Specially if the Knicks are planning on moving up. Which I hope they don't do.

It would be crying shame if they don't, Historically the 8th pick has produced little to no all stars, and they have all the assets to move up.

Would you be willing to offer mini Rj for their 1st rnd pick?

Are you saying you think the Wolves would trade RJ for the 1st straight up? I don't. But ok, Of course I would. Why not? But why would the Wolves do that? They are, for the most part, rebuilding. And would think they would value a 1st round pick as a great way of doing that. The only way I see them even considering trading the pick is if they feel the top 3 picks have too many question marks and if we included the 8th and 27th pick. But do not see the Knicks doing that.

And Btw, although true that the 1st or second picks have much better odds of drafting a difference maker, there have been plenty of examples that it is not a guarantee.

I think there's a general consensus that after the year Barrett had a Duke he would be the #1 pick in this draft. He doesn't quite have the major upside of Edwards, but he's far safer of a pick. Again this is based on college. Obviously Barrett's stock dropped a bit with the Knicks for reasons mostly out of his control.

Good point. And agree. Would also factor RJ's shooting numbers this year. Which I feel hurt his value.
It will be curious to see what Minny does. Yes they have CAT and D'angelo but just do not think they feel they are close to competing in the West. Would not think they feel RJ changes that. Also, cant see them trading this years pick given they do not have a draft pick in 2021. The only thing that may prompt them to get rid of their 1st. I feel, is for a proven star in order to keep CAT happy. There have been Rumors of Gordon out there.
Who I think would be a mistake for them as well. But the direction they are probably heading. Given the moves last year. IMO, Keeping the 1st would create a solid foundation along with CAT, Russell and Culver. Who are all still pretty young.

They really want to keep KAT happy and want to get guys a little further along in the process. For that reason I think they would trade #1 straight up for Barrett, although I don't think the Knicks would do it. Barrett's shooting numbers weren't great, but they really picked up once he came back from injury and I think if the season had played out normally his numbers would look much different. But for that also, I expect a huge spike in his production and efficiency this coming year. It's easy to get down on Barrett with the shooting, but he's a very high floor player who has all the tools to be really good. With his work ethic and personality, I think he has enough talent to be a star still, but he just turned 20 and we will need to be patient.

Agree on being patient with RJ. He has so much upside. Like that he has bulked up. Think he will improve his shooting.

But just do not think the Wolves would give up the first for RJ straight up. Due to low shooting percentages last year. Others do not value Knick players as much as we do. See ROY voting. Also, as mentioned, do not think RJ fills the needs that would make Minny give up the pick. Can't say RJ would keep KAT happy. Nor does he fill the need of adding another proven star. Think they would shoot higher than RJ to fill that need. However, if the Wolves want to give us the 1st for RJ, I would take it. No knock on RJ but Edwards is a beast and can be special. Of course, it is all yet to be seen. As it is with all the draft prospects.

My vote is to keep RJ and get lucky at 8. Or trade the 8th for a couple of lower picks.